Clarifying Observed Relationships Between Protective Behavioral Strategies and Alcohol Outcomes: The Importance of Response Options

Protective behavioral strategies (PBS), or harm-reduction behaviors that can potentially reduce alcohol consumption or associated problems, have been assessed in varied ways throughout the literature. Existing scales vary in focus (i.e., broad vs. narrow), and importantly, in response options (i.e., absolute frequency vs. contingent frequency). Absolute frequency conflates PBS use with number of drinking occasions, resulting in inconsistencies in the relationship between PBS use and alcohol outcomes, whereas contingent frequency is less precise, which could reduce power. The current study proposes the use of absolute frequencies to maximize precision, with an adjustment for number of drinking days to extricate PBS use from drinking occasions, resulting in a contingent score. Study 1 examined the associations between PBS subscales using the Strategy Questionnaire (Sugarman & Carey, 2007) and alcohol outcomes, finding that in raw score form the association between PBS and typical alcohol outcomes varied greatly from significantly positive to significantly negative, but adjusted score relationships were all consistent with harm reduction perspectives. In addition, curvilinear relationships with typical alcohol use were eliminated using the score adjustment, resulting in linear associations. Study 2 confirmed the findings from Study 1 with a more precise timeframe, additional alcohol assessments, and heavier college drinkers. The relationships between alcohol outcomes and PBS in raw score form were again varied, but became consistently negative using the score adjustment. Researchers examining PBS and related constructs should consider modifying current scales to include a precise frequency response scale that is adjusted to account for number of drinking occasions

Is the Cepheus E Outflow driven by a Class 0 Protostar?

New early release observations of the Cepheus E outflow and its embedded source, obtained with the Spitzer Space Telescope, are presented. We show the driving source is detected in all 4 IRAC bands, which suggests that traditional Class 0 classification, although essentially correct, needs to accommodate the new high sensitivity infrared arrays and their ability to detected deeply embedded sources. The IRAC, MIPS 24 and 70 microns new photometric points are consistent with a spectral energy distribution dominated by a cold, dense envelope surrounding the protostar. The Cep E outflow, unlike its more famous cousin the HH 46/47 outflow, displays a very similar morphology in the near and mid-infrared wavelengths, and is detected at 24 microns. The interface between the dense molecular gas (where Cep E lies) and less dense interstellar medium, is well traced by the emission at 8 and 24 microns, and is one of the most exotic features of the new IRAC and MIPS images. IRS observations of the North lobe of the flow confirm that most of the emission is due to the excitation of pure H2 rotational transitions arising from a relatively cold (Tex~700 K) and dense (N{H}~9.6E20 cm-2 molecular gas.Comment: 14 pages (pre-print format), including 6 figures. Published in ApJ Special Spitzer Issue (2004

Effects of Longwall Mining on Hydrogeology, Leslie County, Kentucky Part 3: Post-Mining Conditions

The effects of longwall coal mining on hydrology in the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field have been investigated since 1991. The study area is in the Edd Fork watershed in southern Leslie County, over Shamrock Coal Company\u27s Beech Fork Mine. Longwall panels approximately 700 ft wide are separated by three-entry gateways that are approximately 200 ft wide. The mine is operated in the Fire Clay (Hazard No. 4) coal; overburden thickness ranges from 300 to 800 ft. Mining began in panel 1 in September 1991 and concluded with panel 8 in September 1994. Long-term monitoring consisting of a network of piezometers and time-domain reflectometry (TDR) cables previously installed over panel 7, in conjunction with a continuously recording rain gage and flume, began after the completion of mining. Two new core holes were drilled over panel 7 approximately 1 year after mining ceased in panel 8 to determine depth of collapse and hydraulic conductivity of strata. Water levels were measured in two new monitoring wells installed after mining to complement the 11 piezometers installed prior to mining that were still functioning. Precipitation was measured through July 1996, and streamflow was measured in Edd Fork on a monthly basis using a cross-section gaging method. Physical failure of piezometers, core drilling, and the movement of air into deeper piezometers after mining indicate that extensive fracturing occurred to a height of 450 ft above the mine, which is approximately 60 times the extracted coal-seam thickness. Hydraulic conductivity values determined from pressure-injection tests were 10 to 100 times greater after mining than before mining; many values were in the range of 10-2 to 10-4 ft/min for all lithologies. At a minimum, a zone of rock approximately 200 ft above the mined coal was dewatered beneath Edd Fork. Ground-water levels in ridgetop piezometers fluctuated slightly more after mining than they did before, which indicates that the upper part of the ridge is more hydraulically connected to surface recharge from precipitation since mining took place. The existence of ground water in the shallow ridgetop piezometers suggests that an underlying aquitard zone developed during mine collapse, which retards the downward movement of shallow ground water to the mined-out area. Water level declined in a sandstone unit approximately 300 ft above the mine after mining, but recovered within a year. This indicates that the underlying regional aquitard still retards downward ground-water movement, despite the hydraulic conductivity of the unit increasing 100 times after mining. Edd Fork, approximately 375 ft above the mine in panel 7, resumed surface flow 2 months after completion of mining; however, flow diminishes downstream at about the centerline of panel 8. Mining is still active in other areas of the mine, and mechanical dewatering activities will most likely keep water levels in the deep zones artificially depressed in the study area until mining is completed and dewatering activities cease

Effects of Longwall Mining on Hydrology, Leslie County, Kentucky Part 2: During-Mining Conditions

The effects of longwall coal mining on hydrology in the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field are being investigated. The study area is in the Edd Fork watershed in southern Leslie County, over Shamrock Coal Company\u27s Beech Fork Mine. Longwall panels approximately 700 ft wide are separated by three-entry gateways that are approximately 200 ft wide. The mine is operated in the Fire Clay (Hazard No. 4) coal; overburden thickness ranges from 300 to 800 ft. Mining began in panel 1 in September 1991 and concluded with panel 8 in September 1994. Long-term monitoring consisting of a network of piezometers and time-domain reflectometry (TDR) cables previously installed over panel 7, in conjunction with a continuously recording rain gage and flume, is continuing after the completion of mining. Mining in panel 5 affected water levels in three of 24 piezometers installed over panel 7; the level went down in one piezometer and rose in two. Mining in panel 6 affected 16 of 24 piezometers; the level went down in 11 piezometers and rose in five. Mining in panel 7 affected water levels in 20 of 24 piezometers. Different water-level responses were recorded as the mine approached and passed by the instrumental sites. Thirteen piezometers failed as a result of undermining. These piezometers penetrated the zone of deep fracturing that extends upward approximately 450 ft (or 60 times greater than the mined thickness) above the mine. Only one piezometer showed a net increase in water level as a result of mining. Mining-induced surface fractures, observed along roads in the watershed, were generally parallel to the slope of the land surface or mining direction and probably contributed to ground-water recharge. The surface stream was unaffected until it was undermined by panel 8; then the stream went dry. TDR cables in the Hazard coal zone were deformed as mining passed by on the adjacent panel. Water levels in piezometers in the Hazard coal zone declined at the same time. TDR cables broke completely twice. The deepest complete break was in the Hazard coal zone and occurred when the active mine face was approaching, but still approximately 1,000 ft away from, the affected cable in panel 7. This corresponds to an angle of influence of 60 to 70°. Rock broke in the shallow subsurface (less than 50 ft deep) when the cable was directly undermined. Water-level responses in piezometers adjacent to mining are related to the complex flow system, rather than a defined angle of hydrologic influence. Coal beds and other conductive strata transmit water-level responses as far away as 1,450 ft, whereas nonconductive strata transmit little water-level change at closer distances. The water-level responses observed in this study support existing subsidence models. Piezometers in the zone of intensive fracturing failed as a result of rock breakage. An aquiclude zone developed in the ridge. The integrity of strata and piezometers was generally maintained. The most variable effects were observed in the zone of surface fracturing, within 50 ft of the surface

Classification Systems for Knee Osteochondritis Dissecans: A Systematic Review

Objective Aim of this systematic review was to describe all classification systems for knee osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions, evaluating their accuracy and reliability, as well as their use in the literature on knee OCD. Design A systematic review of the literature was performed in July 2021 on PubMed, WebOfScience, and Cochrane Collaboration (library) to describe all published classification systems for knee OCD lesions and quantify the use of these classifications in the literature. Results Out of 1,664 records, 30 studies on 33 OCD classifications systems were identified, describing 11 radiographic, 13 MRI, and 9 arthroscopic classifications. The search included 193 clinical studies applying at least one OCD classification, for a total of 7,299 knee OCD cases. Radiographic classifications were applied to 35.8%, MRI to 35.2%, and arthroscopic classifications to 64.2% of the included studies. Among these, in the last two decades, the International Cartilage Repair Society's (ICRS) arthroscopic classification was the most described approach in studies on knee OCD. Overall, there is a lack of data on accuracy and reliability of the available systems. Conclusions Several classifications are available, with ICRS being the most used system over the time period studied. Arthroscopy allows to confirm lesion stability, but noninvasive imaging approaches are the first line to guide patient management. Among these, radiographic classifications are still widely used, despite being partially superseded by MRI, because of its capability to detect the earliest disease stages and to distinguish stable from unstable lesions, and thus to define the most suitable conservative or surgical approach to manage patients affected by knee OCD

Magneto-Driven Gradients of Diamagnetic Objects for Engineering Complex Tissues

Engineering complex tissues represents an extraordinary challenge and, to date, there have been few strategies developed that can easily recapitulate native‐like cell and biofactor gradients in 3D materials. This is true despite the fact that mimicry of these gradients may be essential for the functionality of engineered graft tissues. Here, a non‐traditional magnetics‐based approach is developed to predictably position naturally diamagnetic objects in 3D hydrogels. Rather than magnetizing the objects within the hydrogel, the magnetic susceptibility of the surrounding hydrogel precursor solution is enhanced. In this way, a range of diamagnetic objects (e.g., polystyrene beads, drug delivery microcapsules, and living cells) are patterned in response to a brief exposure to a magnetic field. Upon photo‐crosslinking the hydrogel precursor, object positioning is maintained, and the magnetic contrast agent diffuses out of the hydrogel, supporting long‐term construct viability. This approach is applied to engineer cartilage constructs with a depth‐dependent cellularity mirroring that of native tissue. These are thought to be the first results showing that magnetically unaltered cells can be magneto‐patterned in hydrogels and cultured to generate heterogeneous tissues. This work provides a foundation for the formation of opposing magnetic‐susceptibility‐based gradients within a single continuous material